Millions tuned in to the 2024 Summer Olympics, but two Nelnet associates experienced the magic firsthand in Paris. One of Nelnet’s core values is creating an awesome work environment—and that includes providing generous earned time off that makes it possible for Nelnet associates to pursue their dream vacations. Paris was the place to be this summer.
Embarking on the Paris Adventure
IT Senior Business Analyst Kathi McGuire made the trip with her husband and 21- and 18-year-old sons. Their 23-day trip started with a wine-tasting visit to several chateaux in Bordeaux, followed by a train trip to Paris, where they spent 11 days sightseeing before the Games. They visited famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, Place Vendome, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysees, the Catacombs, Montmartre, and Sacre Coeur—and took day trips to Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Champagne, and Versailles.
Kathi’s family also spied the Jarden des Tuileries through the Olympic barricades and caught a show at the Moulin Rouge. According to Kathi, “The best part of being in Paris is picking a spot on the map, figuring out how to get there, and then seeing what you find along the way. There is no such thing as bad food in Paris. Many of my favorite spots were where I could get a great view of the city. Paris is a beautiful city, from all vantage points.”
Content Specialist Alana Moore also made the trip to Paris along with her older sister. However, Alana was no amateur when it came to attending the Olympic Games as she was able to enjoy the 2000 Sydney Games when she was growing up in Australia.
Experiencing Olympic Excitement
The McGuires purchased event tickets in May 2023 and schedules weren’t released until two weeks prior to the Games. They attended events in which an athlete from their preferred Team USA competed, including medal rounds, but they were prepared to watch and cheer for any athlete on any team (and they did).
The McGuires were thrilled to attend the Opening Ceremonies and events including table tennis, beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, swimming, rowing, and canoe slalom.
At a singles table tennis match, Kathi’s family was surprised that the crowd would choose a favorite to cheer for who was usually a non-favorite to win. Kathi said this first happened with a player from Madagascar who had brought himself to the games without a coach.
According to Kathi, “The crowd decided he was the person they wanted to encourage and lift up. He lost his match, but that didn’t stop people from chanting his name and celebrating every point he scored.” She said it made her realize the struggles many people who compete in the Olympics have—and that they all need support and encouragement.
Kathi said a nail-biter of a men’s volleyball pool play match between USA and Germany was one of the most memorable and fun events. The DJ and emcee amped up the crowd, and the people sitting around them were from all around the world. They joked with a German family sitting nearby, who were confident Germany would win. After going to five games, the USA team pulled off the win.
Kathi noted, “We really enjoyed being part of a fun crowd and celebrating fantastic plays and elite athleticism. When a gold medal was presented to the Olympic Champion, everyone stood and cheered and respected the anthem. Smiles and laughter were abundant and so were polite gestures and good attitudes. It didn’t matter who scored the point, but if the play was entertaining and brilliant, everyone applauded.”
Alana was fortunate to have a unique Olympics experience. A passionate long-distance runner, Alana ran to the starting line of the men’s marathon, where she watched one of her running heroes, Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge. At a meet and greet after the marathon, Alana had the opportunity to pick up a few racing tips from USA marathoner, Clayton Young. This was especially meaningful as Alana watches Clayton’s YouTube docuseries for inspiration before her own training sessions.
Alana also had the chance to participate in an actual race at the Olympics. In January of this year, Alana won an entry for the 10k format of the Marathon Pour Tous (Marathon for All), the first public event in the history of the Olympic Games. The race took place in the middle of the night, between the men’s and women’s marathons, on the official Olympic course that winded through the streets of Paris and its iconic monuments.
Alana said about the event, “Despite the midnight start, the streets were alive with people cheering on runners from all over the world. My sister, six months pregnant, managed to find me at no less than three different points along the course. I crossed a bridge over the Seine just as the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle—breathtaking—and after months of dreaming about it, I crossed the Olympic finish line where I had watched the greats that very morning.”
Alana claims the Closing Ceremonies was one of the most spectacular things she’s seen in person. “Seeing Tom Cruise rappel off the roof of the Stade de France like a spider was also a highlight and not at all on my life bingo card,” she said.
Reflecting on the Olympic Journey
Kathi recommends trying it all and viewing the Olympics as much more than just going to your favorite events. “Visit the various countries’ hospitality houses and hang out at the fan zones, where you can watch Olympics coverage with others and try different cuisines,” Kathi suggested. She also noted that the Paralympic Games follow two weeks after the Olympic Games and would be a treat to see in person.
To sum up her adventure to Paris, Alana said, “I love the Olympics—the stories, the dreams, the heartbreaks, the triumph of the human spirit. They have it all. After the loss of my husband, Noah, I started running because it gave me simple, achievable goals and a very tangible way of proving to myself that I could do hard things and keep going. In the words of Nike’s Coach Bennett, ‘This is about running, and this is not about running.’ So, no, I’m not an Olympian (even if my niece keeps telling people I am), but to be able to take part in the Games was deeply meaningful and beautiful, and I will be forever grateful.”
